Paris lives up to the hype: golden light on the Seine, café terraces, world-famous art and an excellent croissant on every corner. The trick is knowing what to book ahead, when to go, and where to escape the crowds. Here's your plan.
- Book ahead
- The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre (timed entry), Sainte-Chapelle, and Versailles
- Louvre
- €32 for visitors from outside the EEA (since January 2026)
- Getting around
- The Métro. Use a Navigo Easy card or the Bonjour RATP app, as paper tickets are being phased out
- Tipping
- Service is included. Leaving a little extra is appreciated, not expected
- Plugs
- Type E (two round pins), 230V
- Time zone
- CET (UTC+1), CEST (UTC+2) in summer
- Emergency
- 112
The icons (and how to do them right)
The Eiffel Tower
Book timed tickets on the official site as early as you can, especially for summit access. For the best photos, head to the Trocadéro across the river. After dark, the tower sparkles for a few minutes at the start of every hour.
The Louvre
Home to the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and thousands more masterpieces. A timed-entry booking is essential, and visitors from outside the European Economic Area now pay €32. Book on the Louvre's website, pick a few wings to focus on, and go early or on a late-opening evening.
Notre-Dame
After the 2019 fire, Notre-Dame reopened in December 2024, beautifully restored. Entry to the cathedral is free. You can reserve a time slot to skip the walk-up queue.
Sainte-Chapelle and the Musée d'Orsay
Sainte-Chapelle has some of the most breathtaking stained glass anywhere; visit on a sunny day. The Musée d'Orsay, in a grand former railway station, holds the world's best Impressionist collection: Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Degas.
Neighbourhoods worth wandering
- Montmartre: hilltop village streets, artists in Place du Tertre, and city views from the steps of Sacré-Cœur.
- Le Marais: medieval lanes, the elegant Place des Vosges, boutiques, galleries and great falafel.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: classic cafés, bookshops and the Luxembourg Gardens nearby.
- Canal Saint-Martin: a laid-back local favourite for an evening apéro by the water.
Tip: Walk along the Seine at sunset, from Île de la Cité past the bouquinistes (the riverside booksellers) towards the Eiffel Tower. It's free and unforgettable.
A 3-day Paris itinerary
3 days in Paris
- Day 1The classicsNotre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle, a Seine walk, the Louvre in the afternoon, then the Eiffel Tower at night
- Day 2Art & villagesMusée d'Orsay, lunch in Saint-Germain, the Luxembourg Gardens, then sunset in Montmartre
- Day 3Your choiceVersailles (closed Mondays), or Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin and a long lunch
Eat like a Parisian
- Breakfast: a croissant or pain au chocolat from a proper boulangerie
- Lunch: a formule (set menu) at a neighbourhood bistro is great value
- Classics: steak-frites, French onion soup, croque-monsieur, duck confit
- Sweet things: macarons, a fresh crêpe, or a slice of tarte au citron
- Picnic: a baguette, cheese and wine from a market, eaten in a park. Very Parisian
Getting around
- The Métro reaches almost everywhere. Paper tickets are being phased out: use a rechargeable Navigo Easy card, or buy tickets on your phone with the Bonjour RATP app (RATP).
- From Charles de Gaulle airport, the RER B train runs into central Paris.
- On foot or by Vélib' bike: central Paris is wonderfully walkable.
Staying connected in Paris
Book tickets, find the nearest Métro, translate menus and share that Eiffel Tower photo straight away. A France eSIM gets you online as soon as you land. Visiting more of Europe? A Europe eSIM covers it all. And if you're travelling from outside the EU, read our guide to Europe's new border rules before you fly.
For events and ideas, see the official Paris tourism site.
When to visit
- Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October): the best weather and the prettiest light.
- Summer: busy and warm. Many locals leave in August, and some small shops close.
- Winter: quieter, cosy and festive in December, with shorter queues.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Louvre in 2026?
Since January 2026, visitors from outside the European Economic Area pay €32. EEA residents pay €22. Under-18s are free. Book a timed-entry slot online.
How many days do you need in Paris?
Three days covers the highlights at a comfortable pace. With four or five, add Versailles, more museums and day trips.
Do I need to speak French?
No, but a "bonjour" when you walk into a shop or café goes a long way. A translation app helps with menus.
Will my phone work in Paris?
Most unlocked phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM and work on French networks. Check yours on our compatible phones page.